Nicosia, Cyprus (December 3, 2024): Cyprus has taken a significant step in modernizing its air defenses with the arrival of the first components of Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system.
While the Cypriot Ministry of Defense has declined official comment, citing policy against discussing armaments, sources confirm the arrival to media outlets including Sigma TV and Proto Thema. This acquisition comes as Cyprus seeks to replace its aging Russian-made TOR and BUK systems, hampered by sanctions against Russia. Although the existing systems remain operational, maintaining them has become increasingly challenging due to the difficulty in procuring spare parts.
The arrival of the Iron Dome is the first step in establishing a comprehensive air defense shield for the island nation. Further deliveries are expected to complete the system. This development follows recent statements by President Nikos Christodoulidis hinting at significant advancements in arms procurement, following discussions with US President Joe Biden and during the US-Cyprus Strategic Dialogue. The acquisition reflects a broader shift in US policy, with Washington reportedly supporting arms sales from Israel and other Western nations to Cyprus after decades of an arms embargo.
This move to bolster Cyprus's defenses comes as the country also anticipates the arrival of combat helicopters from France. Furthermore, Cyprus is actively pursuing the acquisition of new tanks to replace its obsolete Russian T-80s. The strengthening of the Cypriot National Guard's capabilities follows joint exercises with the Israeli Air Force, which tested Cypriot air defense systems against American-made F-16 fighter jets, a model also operated by Turkey.